Course Overview
Course summary
Our Creative Media Arts BA (previously Contemporary Media Practice) will challenge you to develop cutting-edge approaches to media arts with an emphasis on innovation and emerging creative technologies.
It will give you the opportunity to work across media disciplines to prepare you for a dynamic and ever-changing media arts landscape. Our graduates have a wide range of career options in the creative industries, such as content production across interactive media, immersive technologies, CGI and VFX, videogame design, film, experience design and emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence and the Metaverse.
The course delivers disciplinary skills in a range of media practices including filmmaking, photography, interaction design, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), video and art installation, motion graphics, animation, projection mapping, creative coding, 3D scanning and printing, 3D modelling and design, sound art, audio production and web design.
Our unique course combines traditional art school approaches to creative practice – where students develop skills in critical thinking, innovation and contextual awareness – with industry-level professionalism. This approach will enable you to develop engaging practical projects and to participate in contemporary cultural debates through your awareness of the political, ethical and aesthetic implications of your work.
Core modules give you the skills to work across media boundaries, and at the frontiers of emerging media. These provide a breadth and depth of media production skills together with transferrable skills in project management, collaborative practice and entrepreneurship. Combined, these will give you the ability to adapt to the creative opportunities of the contemporary media landscape.
The course is part of the University of Westminster's School of Arts, based at our Harrow Campus – a cutting-edge creative hub, and one of the leading media, arts and design educational facilities in Europe.
Top reasons to study with us
- State-of-the-art facilities – As a Creative Media Arts student, you will have access to extensive industry-level facilities including photographic, green screen and film studios, video editing suites, photography printing and darkroom facilities, 3D workshops, emerging media and computer labs
- Taught by industry experts – You will be taught by a course team of experienced media practitioners, researchers and visiting industry experts, ensuring that the course reflects and adapts to current developments in media practice
- Employability and entrepreneurial skills are emphasised in modules through the use of practical, problem-solving tasks that mirror professional environments
- High employment rate – Our graduates have a high employment rate across the media and creative industries. 90% of our Creative Media Arts BA students are in work and / or study within 15 months after the course and 70% are in highly skilled work (Source: Discover Uni – site accessed in February 2023)
- Work-based learning provided through a core module in Year 2
- Connected to CREAM (Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media) - You will be taught by researchers from the University’s CREAM research Centre
- Westminster is ranked 2nd in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2025 for ‘Research Quality’ in Art and Design
- Westminster is ranked top 20 among UK institutions for Communication and Media Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The University is also ranked in the top 15 in the Complete University Guide 2024 for 'Student Satisfaction' in Communication and Media Studies
Course structure
You'll be taught through a mix of workshops, group and individual tutorials, and lectures supporting the development of your practical and conceptual skills.
Assessment methods include submission of practical projects and research material, live crits, seminar presentations, visual essays and online study tasks.
Your first year is concerned with establishing core media production skills, and supporting your transition into higher education with skills in research and analysis of media culture. Alongside technical workshops in a range of moving image, photographic and interactive media, you will develop practical projects around given themes. These projects introduce key skills in conceptual development and will challenge your creative abilities.
Subjects of study include:
- Creativity and Collaboration
- Space, Place and Experience: Moving Image, Interactivity and Sound
- Storytelling: Photography and Web Media
- Media Explorations
- Screen 1: Production Design for the Screen
- Screen 1: Visual Effects and Animation
- Screen 1: Working with Actors
Credit Level 4
In the second year, you will cement your identity as a multi- and interdisciplinary practitioner, developing knowledge of specific media in-depth, but also engaging with the frontiers of media practice. This will include challenging existing approaches to media practice, testing the possibilities of new creative technologies and developing strategies for reaching and engaging audiences. All students undertake work experience in the second year, along with the opportunity to study abroad at one of our international partner institutions.
Subjects of study include:
- Media Frontiers: Exploring Creative Technologies
- Convergent Media: Extended Realities and Audiences
- Research and Synthesis
- Work-Based Placement Learning
- Culture, Power and Creativity in the Media Arts
- Transmedia Sound
- Scriptwriting for Media
- Screen 2: Camera and Lighting Skills
- Screen 2: Identities: Race, Class and Gender in Film and Television
- Screen 2: Short Form Film and Video
Credit Level 5
Between Years 2 and 3, you may undertake an optional year-long work placement (or a combination of work placement and international exchange). If you take advantage of this option, you’ll undertake an additional year-long Industry placement year module running parallel to your work placement, and your final degree award will be BA Honours Contemporary Media Practice with Professional Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
By your third year, you are sufficiently experienced and skilled to determine your own themes and sustain substantial high-level work over a longer period. Your Final Project and Dissertation are the culmination of your studies; typically, our students create interactive projects, installations, short narrative films, documentaries, and many other hybrid forms. This work is then presented to the public through a student-led physical and digital exhibition.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Major Project Explorations
- Major Project
- Research Project
- Professional Launchpad
Credit Level 6
Programme Recognition
This course is industry-recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries, and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark, which indicates courses best suited to prepare students for a career in the screen industries.
This course is also delivered through a partnership with BAFTA albert Education, which provides staff and graduates with the tools and techniques needed to learn about environmentally responsible working practices and their professional relevance. The partnership will help students develop knowledge about sustainability, carbon footprinting and planet placement in programmes.
Programme Training Opportunities
This course is committed to health and safety training, and has partnered with the Mark Milsome Foundation to offer an optional online course for students wishing to develop their skills in this area. The Mark Milsome Foundation Skillset Production Safety Passport course ensures that students are equipped with essential safety knowledge, as they venture into careers in the film and TV industry. Created in memory of Mark Milsome, the course provides a Level II Production Safety Passport valid for 5 years from ScreenSkills. This additional course is available free of charge to University of Westminster students studying this Undergraduate course.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
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Careers
Build industry connections
Our dedicated work-based and placement learning modules help you to develop strong links across the media and creative industries.
Study multiple media practices
Our focus on multi-skilled media production prepares you for adapting to dynamic changes in the creative industries and making the most of every opportunity.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers and support you to achieve your full potential.
Industry links and work experience
Based just a 20-minute tube ride from the heart of the city, you'll have easy access to the wealth of media and creative industries located in London.
You can experience cultural life in London, while also gaining work experience and building your professional networks, which is crucial for success in the media industries.
We sustain a range of formal and informal partnerships with industry through visiting professionals, work experience, staff exchange and consultation.
Graduate Success
Our graduates have gone on to find a wide range of work across the media and creative industries. Notable recent alumni include:
- Kadri Mahmood, Kiran Mandla and Chris Toumazou, who founded the commercial and video production company Compulsory soon after graduation, and whose clients include Adidas, Hugo Boss, Google, Universal Music and Warner Music Group
- Alexandra Penelope, Partnerships Manager at Little Dot Studios, a premium digital content producer for the BBC, NBC Universal and Sony
- Katie Mitchell, Project Coordinator at the visual effects and animation company DNEG, which has worked on several major films, including Blade Runner 2049, Ex Machina and Interstellar
- Rémi Paringaux, Brand Developer, and former Brand Image Director at Gucci
The Creative Media Arts BA (previously Contemporary Media Practice) has also produced several recipients of prestigious international awards, including filmmakers Rebecca Graham, Reema Sengupta and Sybilla Patrizia; journalist and filmmaker Joshua Baker; photographers Ori Gersht, Zed Nelson and Jonathan Simpson; Tom Roope, co-founder of Tomato Interactive and former Group Creative Lead at ZOO Google Creative Services, and film and television director and producer Annand Tucker.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Digital content creator
- Digital artist
- Creative director
- Creative technologist
- Interactive media designer
- Game designer
- Motion graphics designer (3D/VFX/CGI)
- UI/UX designer
- VR/AR developer
- Video editor
- Film producer
- Production designer
- Photographer
- Curator
- Social media manager
- Events manager
Graduate employment
Graduates from our course have gained employment or worked with many high-profile companies and organisations, including:
- BBC
- British Film Institute
- Channel 4
- Disney
- Guggenheim Museum
- ITV
- Marvel
- Netflix
- The Times
- Vertigo Films
Our graduates have also gone on to postgraduate study at prestigious institutions such as:
- Columbia University (USA)
- National Film and Television School
- Royal College of Art
What our students say
Tanya Bansal
Contemporary Media Practice BA
I love the practical and hands-on aspects of my course. We are introduced to a range of different mediums - film, photography, 360-degree videos, installation work, virtual reality and so on. We are given a diverse range of projects and I love experimenting with all these mediums. This course has allowed me to make documentary films and experimental video installations. Currently, I’m in the process of creating a website and an app. I’m also working on a VR project.
Bobbie Notcutt
Contemporary Media Practice BA Honours Level 4
Contemporary Media Practice is so well suited to a student like myself because I don't find it restrictive. If anything, it's taught me how to be more open-minded and expressive with concepts and ideas. With freedom of expression being especially important in today's society, this course really makes this a priority and spurs us on to showcase our views on society, politics and art. Therefore, the level of work is not only thought-provoking and original, but a true representation of the students who have made it, which to me is key in trying to formulate myself as a creative.
Ed Hands
Contemporary Media Practice BA Honours Level 6
On the Contemporary Media Practice BA, I realised my interests were much broader than just photography, and the course has helped nurture that. I have learnt about the processes of photography, filmmaking, documentaries, coding and all the theory to go with it. As a consequence, I now feel ready to go into a professional creative practice and do whatever task might be asked of me. I have really enjoyed my time on CMP. The staff are amazing, and the facilities are awesome too!
What our students say
Robert Dark
Contemporary Media Practice BA - 2023
The film and photography studios and the darkroom facilities are brilliant. You are only limited by your own ideas, and your willingness to execute them.
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Dr Christopher Fry
Senior Lecturer
Specialising in interactive technologies, Chris teaches various subjects, including creative coding, physical computing, interactive installation, and new media theory. His diverse practice includes working with mobile devices, bots, 3D printing, and cross-stitch. He completed a practice-led PhD in 2008 titled "Perceiving Experience: Accounting for the Role of the Audience in the Construction of Pervasive and Locative Artworks." He is a researcher at the Centre for Research and Education in Arts and Media (CREAM). His current research interests include the role of drawing in understanding relationships with digital media and the emerging languages of Generative AI.
Our course will prepare you for a career working at the forefront of creative practice and with the latest emerging media technologies.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Get career-ready
You'll develop creative media production skills across a range of disciplines, such as film, video, photography and interactive media.
Easy access to central London
Based just a 20-minute tube ride from the heart of the city, you'll be perfectly placed to access work experience and networking opportunities in London's media industries.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our Harrow Campus holds project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and our Creative Enterprise Centre.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 96 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – MMM
- BTEC Diploma – DD in a creative subject
- Access – 96 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher level, GCSE Maths Pass – IB Pass
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
This course focuses on transferable skills across media, so applicants should have a good portfolio of practical work that could include still images, short films and/or interactive work. We ask applicants to focus on examples of work about which they feel passionate and which demonstrates their personal interests. We also ask that applicants present a short essay to demonstrate their written and reflective skills, although this is optional. Applicants will be selected for interview.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process.
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces
Please be selective and do not include more than the number of items requested below
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
For your interview, you will need to prepare a portfolio of your work. This should be submitted as a PDF file no larger than 10MB; it can include links to online materials.
The portfolio should be comprised of:
a) 5 or more examples of photography which represent particular interests or artistic styles that you have been recently exploring,
and/or:
b) at least one film or moving image production that you were involved in (no longer than 5 minutes),
and/or:
c) any ‘New Media’ project (websites, online artwork or installation, video games, etc).
How should I structure my portfolio?
Your portfolio should briefly tell the story of the work you are showing us. Remember to add captions to any images and where links or online materials are included, please explain briefly what the team will be viewing.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be reviewed by a member of the academic team and applicants will be invited for interview You should be prepared to discuss your work in an expansive and conceptual way (the ideas behind its creation, its exploration of specific themes, etc). Good technical quality is expected but we are also happy to look at and discuss any work that you feel is not yet finished.
What happens next?
After your interview, the course team will make a decision about your suitability for the course. They'll communicate this with the admissions team, who will let you know the result.
Top Tip from our course team
One of our main areas of focus will be to discover your passion for media arts in whichever form you feel is appropriate. It is therefore important to include work which conveys your personal creative identity or interests. This might be something you have made in your own time rather than at school or college.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
- International Baccalaureate – 96 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by case basis
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
This course focuses on transferable skills across media, so applicants should have a good portfolio of practical work that could include still images, short films and/or interactive work. We ask applicants to focus on examples of work about which they feel passionate and which demonstrates their personal interests. We also ask that applicants present a short essay to demonstrate their written and reflective skills, although this is optional. Applicants will be selected for interview.
More information
Portfolio guidance
Number of recommended portfolio pieces
Please be selective and do not include more than the number of items requested below
What should I include in my portfolio submission?
For your interview, you will need to prepare a portfolio of your work. This should be submitted as a PDF file no larger than 10MB; it can include links to online materials.
The portfolio should be comprised of:
a) 5 or more examples of photography which represent particular interests or artistic styles that you have been recently exploring,
and/or:
b) at least one film or moving image production that you were involved in (no longer than 5 minutes),
and/or:
c) any ‘New Media’ project (websites, online artwork or installation, video games, etc).
How should I structure my portfolio?
Your portfolio should briefly tell the story of the work you are showing us. Remember to add captions to any images and where links or online materials are included, please explain briefly what the team will be viewing.
How will my portfolio be evaluated?
Your portfolio will be reviewed by a member of the academic team and applicants will be invited for interview You should be prepared to discuss your work in an expansive and conceptual way (the ideas behind its creation, its exploration of specific themes, etc). Good technical quality is expected but we are also happy to look at and discuss any work that you feel is not yet finished.
What happens next?
After your interview, the course team will make a decision about your suitability for the course. They'll communicate this with the admissions team, who will let you know the result.
Top Tip from our course team
One of our main areas of focus will be to discover your passion for media arts in whichever form you feel is appropriate. It is therefore important to include work which conveys your personal creative identity or interests. This might be something you have made in your own time rather than at school or college.
Please do not send in portfolios until requested to do so by the University's Admissions team. You will be notified by email about when to submit your portfolio.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for and what your tuition fees cover.
Facilities
At our Harrow Campus, we provide dedicated, high-specification studios and facilities for our portfolio of art and design courses.
As a Creative Media Arts student, you will have access to extensive industry-level facilities including film and green screen studios, video editing suites, photography studios and darkroom facilities, 3D workshops, computer labs and the Emerging Media Space.
Student work
The Hidden Disability, by Katie Mitchell
Beyond Bastion, by Remarni Jackman Spatial Misconception, by Wanting Ma, Leonardo Mussatto and Adel Szegedi
Spatial Misconception, by Wanting Ma, Leonardo Mussatto and Adel Szegedi
These Homes Need People, by Lara Williamson
Distress of the Modern Goddess, by Carmen Bratosin, Charlotte Bungay and Sara Jawad
Installation, by Alexandra Margarint
Contemporary Media Practice BA degree show
Westminster Degree Shows
The Westminster Degree Shows are an annual collection that showcases the creativity, vibrancy and artistic talent of our undergraduate arts courses. You can see the latest online collection on Westminster Degree Shows.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
Harrow is our creative and cultural hub, home to most of our arts, media and digital courses. It houses state-of-the-art facilities for every discipline, including project and gallery spaces, film studios, creative labs, collaborative learning spaces, and the Westminster Enterprise Network.
Harrow Campus is based in north-west London, just 20 minutes from the city centre by train.
For more details, visit our Harrow Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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